Pdax vs Coins.Ph: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between Pdax and Coins.Ph This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on August 16, 2025

Pdax

Coins.Ph

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United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

India

China

Canada

United Kingdom

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Pdax is ideal if:

Locally integrated experience Enables seamless PHP deposits and withdrawals through banks and e-wallets, making it highly convenient for users in the Philippines.
Regulated and secure Operates under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with features like two-factor authentication and cold storage to protect your assets.
User-friendly and inclusive Offers an intuitive interface, low minimum deposits, and access to crypto, bonds, and collectibles—perfect for both beginners and everyday investors.

Coins.Ph is ideal if:

Beginners & Everyday Users: Ideal for users seeking a safe, intuitive mobile wallet that integrates crypto trading with daily tasks like bill payments and mobile top-ups.
Philippines-Based Users: Perfect if you're operating primarily in the Philippines and want a regulated, locally compliant hub for both crypto and fiat transactions.
Casual to Moderate Traders: Great for casual or moderate trading needs with straightforward tools—Coins Pro adds more control, but advanced features remain limited.

Pdax isn’t ideal if:

Not ideal for advanced traders Lacks access to derivatives, margin trading, staking, or passive income tools—so seasoned traders may find its offerings too limited.
Highly localized to the Philippines Designed for Filipino residents with PHP-only support and local IDs, making it inconvenient for international users.
Potential technical hiccups Historical reports of service outages during peak activity suggest possible reliability concerns for time-sensitive trades.

Coins.Ph isn’t ideal if:

Global Traders & Non-Regional Users: Limited availability—primarily restricted to the Philippines and Thailand—so it's not a fit if you're outside those markets.
Advanced Traders: Lacks advanced tools like margin trading, passive income options, or demo features, which may limit strategic trading capabilities.
Users Needing High Trust: Some users report frequent negative feedback and unresolved support issues, potentially affecting reliability.

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

Maker orders cost around 0.4 % while taker orders are about 0.5 %, and there are no volume-based discount tiers or native-token rebates.

Coins.ph uses a tiered maker-taker model where fees decrease as your 30-day trading volume grows, and there is no native token to grant additional fee discounts—just volume-based VIP tier reductions.

Futures/Derivatives

PDAX currently does not offer derivatives or futures trading, so maker/taker fees and funding rates are not applicable.

At present, Coins.ph does not offer any futures or derivatives trading, so there are no maker/taker or funding fees associated with these instruments.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

Specific spread data isn’t publicly listed, though local liquidity suggests competitive spreads similar to other regional spot-only platforms.

While you can use the “Convert” feature for zero headline fees, spreads still apply and reflect global market conditions, and such spreads may be wider on liquid pairs like BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

Fiat transactions are available via bank transfers, e-wallets, and over-the-counter options; PDAX itself charges little to no platform fee, though third-party processing fees may apply, and settlements typically complete within hours to a day.

You can deposit and withdraw Philippine Pesos using methods like InstaPay, PESONet, or over-the-counter remittance centers, each with its own handling fee structure and typical processing times ranging from near-instant for e-wallets to same-day or next-day for cash pickups.

On-chain Withdrawals

Withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency and blockchain—for example, BTC withdrawals cost around 0.0004 BTC, while other tokens each have set blockchain-based fee rates adjusted dynamically by network conditions.

Cryptocurrency withdrawals are subject to network fees that are dynamic per blockchain—displayed clearly before you confirm a withdrawal—and these vary by coin (e.g., BTC, ETH, TRX) and network congestion, rather than being fixed by the platform.

Hidden Costs

There are no known inactivity or express KYC fees, but users should account for potential currency conversion charges and third-party processing fees that may not be explicitly itemized.

There are minimal hidden costs—currency conversions happen at market-informed rates, there’s no explicit inactivity fee or premium for faster KYC, but conversion spreads may still subtly affect your effective rate.

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

If you were to convert €500 (equivalent to PHP), you’d incur roughly a 0.5 % trading fee plus any spread embedded in the quote, and then pay a blockchain withdrawal fee—like 0.0004 BTC—if you choose to withdraw, though exact totals depend on the real-time exchange rate and network conditions.

If you were to buy around €500 worth of BTC using the Convert tool, you’d see no trading fee but an implicit spread in the exchange rate, and when withdrawing on-chain you’d pay the network fee displayed—so your total cost would be the combined effect of that spread plus the network fee on top of your purchase.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

PDAX offers over 64 cryptocurrencies overall, including the top 20 by volume—major names like BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB, SOL and ADA—paired primarily with PHP for easy access.

Coins.ph offers support for over 50 cryptocurrencies in its basic offering, alongside more than 90 spot trading pairs on Coins Pro, including the top 20 by liquidity in leading crypto-to-PHP and USDT combinations.

Product Range

The platform focuses on spot trading and also provides tokenized government bonds, collectibles, and access via an OTC desk for Prime users, but does not support margin, perps, options, ETFs, staking, lending, copy trading, grid bots, or automated DCA.

The platform provides straightforward spot trading and “Convert” functionality, and includes features like crypto-leveraged lending; however, it does not support margin, perpetuals, options, crypto ETFs, copy-trading, grid bots, automatic DCA, or staking/earn products.

Liquidity

While exact 24-hour volumes and order-book depth data aren’t public, PDAX is known to maintain solid local liquidity, especially for major pairs like BTC/PHP and ETH/PHP, backed by visible order-book depth in Pro mode.

While exact 24-hour volume and order book depth figures are not publicly shared, the platform handles robust local trading activity in key pairs like BTC and ETH, supported by competitive pricing, though it is not designed as a deep-liquidity venue like major global exchanges.

Tools

PDAX supports basic tools such as limit, market, and stop-limit orders, Pro mode with order book and depth chart, advanced TradingView charts (with indicators like RSI and MACD), and offers API/WebSocket access for developers.

Coins Pro offers essential tools including limit, market, stop-limit, and stop-market order types, and integrates TradingView charts; it also provides REST/FIX APIs, although alerting, OCO orders, or more advanced charting remain limited.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

All trading services, including spot markets, are strictly limited to the Philippines—there is no availability for residents elsewhere, and derivative products are not offered in any region.

Several advanced trading features such as derivatives or earning products are unavailable outside the Philippines and Thailand, as the platform’s expanded offerings are geo-restricted based on regulatory boundaries.

Innovation

PDAX includes features like an OTC Prime trading desk for institutional-level access, tokenized “Hold & Earn” bonds, and collectible offerings, but does not currently feature launchpads, launchpools, or flexible vs locked earn programs.

Coins.ph includes features like Launchpool for new token projects and supports flexible or locked crypto-leveraged lending, but currently does not offer formal staking launchpads or earn-program variations commonly found on global platforms.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

Operated by Philippine Digital Asset Exchange, Inc., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Taguig (Greater Metro Manila), the platform is incorporated under Philippine law.

The platform is operated by Betur Inc., also associated with DCPay Philippines Inc., legally registered and headquartered in the Philippines, with operations dating back to its virtual asset and e-money licensing between 2016 and 2017 under BSP oversight.

Licenses/Registration

PDAX is licensed by and fully compliant with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as a virtual currency exchange, operating under BSP Circular guidelines.

Coins.ph holds multiple licenses under Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas—including remittance agent, electronic money issuer (EMI), and virtual asset service provider (VASP)—and complies with the Anti-Money Laundering Act, ensuring full regulatory alignment.

Custody

PDAX uses custodial wallets (holding private keys for users), and while there’s no public proof-of-reserves or audit reports, they emphasize internal security protocols for asset protection.

Custody of fiat-backing assets, particularly for its PHPC stablecoin, is handled via segregated local bank accounts, supported by internal audit-based proof of reserves attestations showing assets meet or exceed liabilities.

Insurance & Protection Funds

Digital assets on PDAX are not insured under any deposit protection scheme, as crypto holdings are not classified as insured deposits by Philippine regulators.

There is no formal insurance protection or deposit insurance for cryptocurrency holdings—virtual assets are not covered by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance but no insured guarantee.

Incident History

There are no publicly known major hacks, platform-wide freezes, or regulatory penalties affecting PDAX.

The exchange faced a notable incident in late 2023 when a hack led to an XRP shortfall, which was flagged in their audited financial statements as a “going concern,” though recovery efforts are underway and capital solutions are being pursued by management.

Risk Controls

The platform supports strong security features such as two-factor authentication, anti-phishing measures, and a dedicated risk and compliance team to enforce AML and safeguard operations.

The platform implements standard security measures such as SSL encryption and AES-256 data protection, along with user-controlled risk mechanisms including two-factor authentication and biometric logins, though advanced features like API permissions or sub-account segregation are limited.

Transparency

PDAX does not currently publish monthly proof-of-reserve reports or maintain publicly visible wallets, though they do communicate via their Help Center and Learning Hub on security topics.

Coins.ph is subject to regular BSP audits, especially for proof of reserves and operational security, but does not publish public monthly financial reports or provide transparent SLA details—suggesting strong regulatory visibility but modest public reporting.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

Deposits in PHP are available via bank transfers, e-wallets, online channels, and OTC partners; minimums and fees vary by channel, and processing times range from near-instant to a few hours or up to a day depending on method.

Coins.ph lets users cash in via bank transfers (InstaPay, PESONet) or over-the-counter outlets; minimums and maximums vary by method and verification level, with near-instant timing for e-wallets and same- or next-day processing for banks or OTC.

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

KYC (Verification Levels)

PDAX offers four account tiers—Basic, Verified, Premium, and Prime—with escalating daily, monthly, and annual transaction limits tied to each level.

There are tiered verification levels—Basic (limited access, small buy/sell only), Identity Verified (ID + selfie), and Enhanced (adds income proof)—each unlocking progressively higher deposit and withdrawal limits based entirely on your verification status.

Withdrawals

Crypto withdrawals are subject to tiered daily limits based on your account level, typically processed within minutes but occasionally taking up to an hour; networks such as ERC-20, TRC-20, and others are supported with fees assigned per token.

Withdrawals are available once Identity Verified, subject to daily/monthly caps; timing and network options vary by method (e.g. blockchain networks for crypto or bank/OTC for fiat), and network choice must match to avoid loss.

Customer Support

Support is available by email and support tickets with variable response times; there is no live 24/7 chat, but users can access a knowledge base for self-help.

Support is offered via in-app chat (around 7 AM–9 PM daily), email/contact forms, and phone lines, alongside a robust help center—response times are typically same-day, supported by a detailed knowledge base for self-service.

Languages & Localization

The platform is fully localized for the Philippines, with a native English/PHP interface, showing fees only in PHP and tailored to compliant local regulation.

The interface is primarily in English, with fees and balances displayed in Philippine Peso (₱)—users won’t see €/USD unless using external conversion tools; the platform is tailored for local regulatory and user context.

App Quality & Stability

The PDAX mobile app is generally stable and user-friendly, with regular updates visible in app stores and few reports of crashes among regular users.

The mobile app receives regular updates and improvements, with stable performance and few reported crashes, ensuring users enjoy a smooth experience on both iOS and Android.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

PDAX offers a gentle learning curve with its toggleable Lite (Convert) mode for beginners and Pro mode showcasing order books and depth charts, enabling users to seamlessly transition from simplified to more advanced tools

The app offers a clean, intuitive interface that’s ideal for beginners, with a seamless transition into a more advanced Coins Pro mode offering richer trading tools once you’re ready to level up.

Performance

Users generally enjoy responsive order execution under normal market conditions, though occasional reports hint at brief downtime or slower processing during sharp volatility spikes—typical of regional exchanges with growing demand

Order execution is smooth in most conditions, though during high-volatility or promotional periods slight delays or temporary spikes in KYC processing may occur, though system stability remains largely consistent.

Education

The platform includes a rich “PDAX Learn” section featuring crypto basics, market insights, and educational content; however, there’s no dedicated demo or simulated trading environment, and Spanish-language content is currently absent

Coins.ph features an in-house “Academy” with clear educational materials and crypto basics, but it lacks live demo trading or simulators and does not currently provide Spanish-language content.

Community

PDAX maintains official presence on Discord, Telegram, and Facebook, and runs engaging referral and reward programs—like PDAX Quests and influencer promos—to encourage peer participation and user-driven growth

The platform supports an active community via its official Telegram channels and social media, and it also runs a referral program that rewards users for inviting friends, though it does not host independent public forums.

Integrations

The platform comes equipped with TradingView-powered charts but currently lacks direct integrations for external trading bots, tax tools, or accounting services, limiting advanced automation and financial tracking options

Coins.ph integrates TradingView-style charts, but lacks support for external trading bots, tax reporting tools, or formal accounting integrations—making it lightweight but less extensible for advanced workflows.dates

Who Each One Is Best For

PDAX is ideal for everyday Filipino users and crypto newcomers seeking a familiar, regulated, PHP-based experience; seasoned traders seeking derivative trading or deep automation may find its ecosystem less aligned with their advanced strategies.

Coins.ph is best suited for newcomers, casual users, and Filipino-based everyday users who want a user-friendly ecosystem combining crypto, payments, and digital finance in one app.